Featured Doulton Virago Baby

I bought this inkwell broken. It was excruciatingly expensive by my lights, but less than a quarter the cost of one in perfect nick. There's a mother to go with the baby, but I don't expect to find one ever for a price I could pay (one currently available on eBay). Both seem to be the same size, and the bottoms are probably interchangeable; there's a bottom currently available (also on eBay) for more than this cost me. Frequently, the mother has "Votes for Women" impressed on her apron (not always on the mother, and much less common on the baby). They were designed by Leslie Harradine c1909 with an anti-suffragette sensibility, though I don't know if that was intended from the get-go. There seem to be lots of variation in colors and incised lines, etc., from piece to piece. They're about 3 1/4" high. Wanted one for years... ever since I came across them online.






It's the hinge that's broken. Both the pin lugs on the body are gone.


There are no other damages, and the underside of the head has a recessed ring, so it fits down over top of the bottom and is relatively secure.


The bottom is surprisingly recessed, so it holds a lot less ink than you might expect.


The marks.


Please don't burst my bubble.

 

Well I think that she is VERY cool! ! !

 

I second what cluttered said, she is very cool I've never seen one before, thanks for posting her MOS

 

Really great piece - good for you!

 

I think it's fugly and would love to find one inexpensively!

I love fugly stuff!

 

With cheeks just aching to be pinched! I think she is a great find for you. Not so sure I like the angry mother one tho.

Congrats on acquiring your treasure.

 

One just sold in Florida this past April
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/70866045_royal-doulton-baby-suffragette-figurine-and-inkwell
With the Mother at same sale
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/70865966_royal-doulton-virago-suffragette-figurine-and-inkwell

 

Congrats on finally acquiring this one you've wanted for so long!

 

Awesome purchase. Never seen this before.

Great photos and thanks for sharing.

 

I think it's hysterical! I like the mom but I love the baby!

 

Absolutely love this piece..thanks for sharing..

 

Not Royal, but Doulton Lambeth. I covet that thing.

 

Yes, too funny! But I’d put them in my collection in a heartbeat!

 

Thanks for sharing, @moreotherstuff ! I love it, too - and had never seen one before.